Days after the tragic shooting deaths of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, the family faced further heartbreak as their beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, was euthanized due to injuries sustained during the attack.
Authorities allege that 57-year-old Vance Boelter fatally shot the Hortmans in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning and also shot the family’s dog. Gilbert, a former service dog in training, succumbed to his injuries, according to family and colleagues.
State Rep. Erin Koegel, a friend and fellow lawmaker, confirmed on social media that Gilbert was put down shortly after the attack.
“Melissa loved that dog,” Koegel wrote. “She trained him as a service dog. He flunked out of school and she was so happy he failed so he could stay. She needed him in heaven with her.”
The nonprofit Helping Paws, where Hortman volunteered as a foster trainer, posted a tribute on Facebook. “Melissa served her community in more ways than one,” the post read. “The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, now a working service dog for a Veteran, and helped raise Gilbert, who became a cherished member of their family.”
Gilbert’s death was confirmed by the House sergeant-at-arms, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. The Hortman children later released a statement Monday night asking that in their parents’ memory, people “pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.”
The suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, was captured Sunday following what officials called the “largest manhunt in Minnesota history.” He was found in the woods near his home after a two-day search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Boelter now faces multiple charges in both federal and state court, including two counts each of murder, stalking, and firearm-related crimes. He is also charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, during a related attack at their Champlin home.
Melissa Hortman, 54, was a prominent Democratic lawmaker who served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her death, along with that of her husband and the family dog, has shocked the state and sparked an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum.
Brooklyn Park officials and the Minnesota House of Representatives are planning a joint memorial service later this week.
With input from Fox News
